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Monday, June 3, 2013

Vatican
City, 2 June 2013
(VIS) – After praying the Angelus, the Pope expressed his great
concern regarding the continuation of the conflict that, “for more
than two years now has inflamed Syria, especially affecting the
civilian population that aspires to peace in justice and
understanding.”

“This
troubled situation of war bears with it tragic consequences: death,
destruction, massive economic and environmental damage, as well as
the scourge of kidnapping. In denouncing these events I wish to
assure my prayers of solidarity for those who have been kidnapped and
their families and I appeal to the humanity of the kidnappers for the
release of the victims.”

But
the Holy Father also noted that, although there are many conflicts
taking place around the world, there are also “many signs of hope”
and encouraged “the recent steps taken in many Latin American
countries toward reconciliation and peace”, asking for them to be
accompanied by our prayers.

Finally,
he noted that the Mass that he had celebrated that morning with
wounded soldiers and family members of servicemen who had fallen in
“peacekeeping missions that seek to promote reconciliation and
peace in countries where so much blood of one's brothers and sisters
is still spilled in wars that are always madness”. “Everything is
lost in war. Everything is gained with peace. I ask you to pray for
the fallen, the wounded, and their families,” the Pope explained,
for the first time asking for silence in St. Peter's Square. “Let
us together now, in silence, in our hearts—all together—say a
prayer” for those wounded and fallen in peacekeeping missions.